STUTTGART: ZF Group has started series production of its latest steer-by-wire technology by equipping the Nio ET9 with it.
The ET9 is Nio's flagship electric vehicle.
The new system eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, heralding a new era for software-defined vehicles.
The German technology group is supplying both the steering wheel actuator, which provides steering and displays steering feel, and the redundant steering gear actuator alongside the associated software.
This allows the ET9 to operate without a conventional mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels.
The integration of this technology into Nio’s "SkyRide" chassis marks a milestone in the partnership between Nio and ZF2.
ZF's steer-by-wire system uses a mechatronic actuator between the wheels as the sole source of steering power.
Steering commands are sent from the steering wheel actuator in the cockpit, which includes a rotation sensor.
An electric drive, known as a torque feedback unit, replicates the natural steering feel and feedback from the road.
The system dynamically adjusts the steering ratio according to driving conditions, ensuring optimal handling at varying speeds.
ZF management board member Dr Peter Holdmann said that the company is providing "the steering of the future" and that ZF is establishing itself as a leader in by-wire technology, offering car manufacturers greater freedom in design and safety.
Nio chief engineer Danilo Teobaldi said the steer-by-wire technology increases driving comfort and dynamics.
ZF's Chassis Solutions Division, established in early 2024, offers a full range of electronically controlled steering and braking systems, as well as controlled damping systems.
These technologies, combined with ZF's cubiX software, form the basis for software-defined vehicles.
The company also secured a major order for brake-by-wire systems, with nearly five million vehicles from a leading global manufacturer set to be equipped with ZF’s electromechanical braking technology.
The absence of a mechanical steering column enhances safety in the event of an accident.
The steer-by-wire system is also more reliable than traditional steering solutions, filters out road vibrations, and facilitates higher levels of automated driving.
